Wednesday's convention programming followed Tuesday's standard script: red meat for the base in the early hours, capped off with a slightly sweeter offering in prime time for independent consumption.

But there was nothing routine about Bill Clinton's speech. The 48-minute address - nearly 3,200 words of prepared text and a thousand more of classic Clinton riffs - checked off nearly every item on the Obama campaign's wish list:

• Appeal to the persuadable who cite bipartisanship as a key quality: Clinton praised Eisenhower. He quoted Reagan. He even got an arena-full of loyal Democrats to cheer George W. Bush.

"Through my foundation, in America and around the world, I work with Democrats, Republicans and independents who are focused on solving problems and seizing opportunities, not fighting each other," Clinton said. "When times are tough, constant conflict may be good politics but in the real world, cooperation works better."

soundoff(3 Responses)

Tampa may have missed the wrath of Hurricane Issac but Hurricane Clinton swept the Democratic Convention with powerful case to re-elect Obama. His speech will be in our minds years from now.

September 6, 2012 at 12:11 pm |

dreams

I agree that Clinton's speech on behalf of President Obama was enthralling! Former President Clinton always has something to offer! He is smart and has kindness for humanity, and the world in its entirety!

September 9, 2012 at 12:30 pm |

myviewis

The mark that hit me from his speech is the one where Clinton that if you want a country of shared prosperity and shared responsibility, we're all in this together society than vote for Obama. I think Clinton meant to say many of you get up at 6:00Am to go to work so that you can financially support those that get up at 10:00AM, those that have learned to manipulate the system and rely on the system for their existence. And when you guys that work have bills to pay, you are on your own.